Róisín Shortall
Question:28 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the optional HIV testing programme announced in 1996 has not commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15906/97]
Written Answers. - HIV Testing Programme.
On 6 October 1997 a public information announcement by the Blood Transfusion Service Board was placed in the national newspapers. This announcement advised the public that a very small number of patients may have been exposed to the risk of HIV infection as a result of the transfusion of blood or other blood products produced prior to the introduction by the BTSB of HIV screening of blood donations in October 1985.
Persons who are concerned and who wish to avail of testing should consult their general practitioners who, if necessary, will arrange for a test to be performed without charge by the Virus Reference Laboratory at University College Dublin.